Thermal management system and vehicle
By integrating refrigerant and water channels and heating components on the refrigerant flow channel base, the problem of complex structure of thermal management system for new energy vehicles is solved, achieving system compactness and improved safety, while reducing energy consumption and production costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ANHUI WELLING AUTO PARTS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
Smart Images
Figure CN224490580U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle thermal management system technology, and in particular to a thermal management system and automobile. Background Technology
[0002] With the increasing severity of the global energy crisis and environmental problems, the new energy vehicle industry has received strong support, and its market share has been rising year by year. While new energy vehicle technology continues to advance, the vehicle thermal management system, as a key component, directly affects the driving range, safety, and comfort of new energy vehicles. However, existing thermal management systems for new energy vehicles are complex in structure and occupy a large amount of space, which is not conducive to the lightweight and compact development requirements of new energy vehicles. Utility Model Content
[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide a thermal management system and an automobile, which aims to reduce the structural complexity of existing thermal management systems.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a thermal management system, which includes:
[0005] The refrigerant flow channel base is provided with independent refrigerant inlet channel, refrigerant outlet channel, water inlet channel and water outlet channel;
[0006] A liquid storage tank is located on the base of the refrigerant flow channel;
[0007] A water heating assembly is disposed on the refrigerant flow channel base, and the water heating assembly is provided with a heating chamber; and
[0008] A heat exchanger is provided on the base of the refrigerant flow channel. The heat exchanger is provided with a water heat exchange channel and a refrigerant heat exchange channel for heat transfer connection. The refrigerant inlet channel, the refrigerant heat exchange channel and the refrigerant outlet channel are connected in sequence. The liquid storage tank, the water inlet channel, the heating chamber, the water heat exchange channel and the water outlet channel are connected in sequence.
[0009] In one embodiment, the water heating assembly includes:
[0010] A heating shell, which is connected to the refrigerant flow channel base;
[0011] A heating element is disposed inside the heating shell;
[0012] An electromagnetic coil is arranged around the heating element; and
[0013] An insulating sleeve is disposed between the electromagnetic coil and the heating element, and the insulating sleeve and the electromagnetic coil are spaced apart to form a heating cavity.
[0014] In one embodiment, the water heating assembly further includes an electrical connector disposed on the heating shell, and the electrical connector is electrically connected to the electromagnetic coil.
[0015] In one embodiment, the heating shell and the refrigerant flow channel base are detachably connected.
[0016] In one embodiment, the thermal management system further includes a control component disposed on the refrigerant flow channel base, and the water heating component is electrically connected to the control component.
[0017] In one embodiment, the water outlet channel is provided with multiple channels, and the heat management system further includes a multi-way valve. The multi-way valve connects the water heat exchange channel and the multiple water outlet channels, so that at least one of the multiple water outlet channels is connected to the water heat exchange channel.
[0018] In one embodiment, the thermal management system further includes a refrigerant valve electrically connected to the control component. The refrigerant valve is disposed on the refrigerant flow channel base and connected to the refrigerant inlet channel to open or close the refrigerant inlet channel. The refrigerant valve and the control component are electrically connected.
[0019] And / or, the thermal management system further includes a sensor disposed on the refrigerant channel base and electrically connected to the control component.
[0020] In one embodiment, multiple water heat exchange channels and multiple refrigerant heat exchange channels are stacked together, and the multiple water heat exchange channels and multiple refrigerant heat exchange channels are alternately arranged.
[0021] In one embodiment, the thermal management system further includes a water pump connected to the water inlet channel;
[0022] And / or, the liquid storage tank is located at the water inlet, and the water inlet is provided with a water inlet cover.
[0023] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an automobile that includes the thermal management system described above.
[0024] The technical solution of this application heats the heat exchange medium through a water heating component, allowing it to exchange heat with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, providing the heat required for the refrigerant's evaporation and vaporization, thus meeting the heating requirements of the thermal management system. Furthermore, by integrating key components such as the refrigerant inlet channel, refrigerant outlet channel, water inlet channel, water outlet channel, storage tank, water heating component, and heat exchanger onto a single refrigerant flow channel base, the number of connectors and pipes is reduced, making the entire thermal management system more compact, reducing the overall system size and space occupied, effectively lowering system complexity and overall weight, improving installation and maintenance convenience, and also helping to optimize vehicle space layout and enhance the design flexibility of new energy vehicles. Moreover, integrating the water heating component onto the refrigerant flow channel base reduces the use of wiring harnesses, lowering the risk of leakage due to aging or damage to wiring harnesses, and improving the safety of the thermal management system of new energy vehicles. Simultaneously, reducing a large number of unnecessary parts and connecting wiring harnesses lowers production costs. In addition, the closer proximity of the water heating components and heat exchangers reduces heat loss and effectively improves the heat exchange efficiency of the refrigerant and heat exchange medium. The efficient energy conversion also reduces energy consumption and further saves on operating costs. Attached Figure Description
[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0026] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this utility model;
[0027] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this utility model;
[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the water heating assembly;
[0029] Figure 4 This is a structural block diagram of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this utility model.
[0030] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0031] 100. Refrigerant flow channel base; 110. Water outlet channel; 200. Liquid storage tank; 300. Water heating assembly; 310. Heating chamber; 320. Heating shell; 330. Heating element; 340. Electromagnetic coil; 350. Insulating sleeve; 400. Heat exchanger; 500. Control assembly; 610. Multi-way valve; 620. Refrigerant valve; 630. Water supply cover; 700. Sensor; 800. Water pump.
[0032] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0033] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present utility model.
[0034] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.
[0035] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this utility model, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0036] In this embodiment of the invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this embodiment of the invention according to the specific circumstances.
[0037] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the protection scope claimed by the embodiments of this utility model.
[0038] With the development of the new energy vehicle industry and technological advancements, the thermal management systems of new energy vehicles are becoming increasingly complex. Various components are dispersed throughout the vehicle and connected via high-voltage wiring harnesses, resulting in a complex overall structure. Furthermore, the use of relatively complex PTC electric heaters for electric heating further complicates the thermal management system.
[0039] In view of this, the present invention provides a thermal management system and a vehicle. By integrating key components such as the refrigerant inlet channel, refrigerant outlet channel, water inlet channel, water outlet channel, storage tank, water heating components, and heat exchanger onto a single refrigerant flow channel base, the number of connectors and pipes is reduced, making the entire thermal management system more compact, reducing the overall system volume and space occupied, effectively reducing system complexity and overall weight, improving the convenience of installation and maintenance, and also helping to optimize the vehicle's spatial layout and enhance the design flexibility of new energy vehicles.
[0040] To better understand the above technical solution, the following detailed explanation is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0041] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 As shown in the figure, this utility model embodiment proposes a thermal management system, which includes:
[0042] The refrigerant flow channel base 100 is provided with independent refrigerant inlet channel, refrigerant outlet channel, water inlet channel, and water outlet channel 110. The refrigerant inlet channel is used to supply refrigerant into the refrigerant flow channel base 100, the refrigerant outlet channel is used to supply refrigerant out of the refrigerant flow channel base 100, the water inlet channel is used to introduce heat exchange medium from the storage tank 200 into the refrigerant flow channel base 100, and the water outlet channel 110 is used to supply heat exchange medium out of the refrigerant flow channel base 100.
[0043] A liquid storage tank 200 is disposed on the refrigerant flow channel base 100. The liquid storage tank 200 has an internal storage chamber for storing heat exchange media such as liquid water. The liquid storage tank 200 is directly connected to the water inlet channel. It can be understood that the liquid storage tank 200 is disposed on the upper surface of the refrigerant flow channel base 100. The refrigerant flow channel base 100 has a first connecting hole communicating with the water inlet channel, and the liquid storage tank 200 has a second connecting hole communicating with the storage chamber. The first and second connecting holes are connected together, allowing the heat exchange medium in the liquid storage tank 200 to enter the water inlet channel through the second connecting hole and the first connecting hole. Optionally, the liquid storage tank 200 and the refrigerant flow channel base 100 are integrally disposed, which ensures the reliability and sealing of the connection and prevents leakage. Of course, the liquid storage tank 200 can also be assembled onto the refrigerant flow channel base 100 by bolts, clips, etc. A sealing ring can be set between the liquid storage tank 200 and the refrigerant flow channel base 100, which can improve the sealing performance of the connection between the liquid storage tank 200 and the refrigerant flow channel base 100.
[0044] A water heating assembly 300 is disposed on the refrigerant flow channel base 100. Optionally, the water heating assembly 300 can be integrally disposed with the refrigerant flow channel base 100, or it can be assembled separately; this is not limited here. The water heating assembly 300 is provided with a heating chamber 310, which is connected to the water inlet channel. The heat exchange medium flowing into the heating chamber 310 from the water inlet channel can be heated before flowing out of the heating chamber 310. Of course, the heat exchange medium in the heating chamber 310 can also flow out directly without being heated. It is understood that, according to different thermal management requirements, the operating state of the water heating assembly 300 can be controlled, i.e., heating or not heating the heat exchange medium, to meet different needs; and
[0045] A heat exchanger 400 is disposed on the refrigerant flow channel base 100. The heat exchanger 400 has a water heat exchange channel and a refrigerant heat exchange channel connected by heat transfer. The refrigerant inlet channel, the refrigerant heat exchange channel, and the refrigerant outlet channel are connected in sequence. The liquid storage tank 200, the water inlet channel, the heating chamber 310, the water heat exchange channel, and the water outlet channel 110 are connected in sequence. It can be understood that the heat exchanger 400 enables heat exchange between the heat exchange medium and the refrigerant. That is, when the refrigerant needs to evaporate and vaporize, it needs to absorb heat from the heat exchange medium; when the refrigerant needs to condense and liquefy, the heat exchange medium absorbs heat from the refrigerant. In other words, the heat exchanger 400 can be used as a condenser or an evaporator, depending on the actual application requirements. Optionally, the heat exchanger 400 is a plate heat exchanger 400, which has a large surface area and can provide efficient heat transfer. Moreover, turbulence is easily formed when fluid flows in narrow channels, which increases the contact opportunities between the fluid and the plate surface, further improving heat transfer efficiency.
[0046] In this embodiment, the water heating component 300 heats the heat exchange medium, which then exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger 400, providing the heat required for the refrigerant's evaporation and vaporization, thus meeting the heating requirements of the thermal management system. Furthermore, by integrating key components such as the refrigerant inlet channel, refrigerant outlet channel, water inlet channel, water outlet channel 110, storage tank 200, water heating component 300, and heat exchanger 400 onto a single refrigerant flow channel base 100, the number of connectors and pipes is reduced, making the entire thermal management system more compact, reducing the overall system size and space occupied, effectively lowering system complexity and overall weight, improving installation and maintenance convenience, and also helping to optimize vehicle space layout and enhance the design flexibility of new energy vehicles. Moreover, integrating the water heating component 300 onto the refrigerant flow channel base 100 reduces the use of wiring harnesses, lowering the risk of leakage due to aging or damage to wiring harnesses, and improving the safety of the thermal management system of new energy vehicles. Simultaneously, reducing a large number of unnecessary parts and wiring harnesses lowers production costs. In addition, the closer proximity of the water heating component 300 and the heat exchanger 400 reduces heat loss and effectively improves the heat exchange efficiency of the refrigerant and heat exchange medium. The efficient energy conversion also reduces energy consumption and further saves on operating costs.
[0047] In one embodiment of this utility model, reference is made to Figure 3 The water heating assembly 300 includes:
[0048] A heating shell 320 is connected to the refrigerant flow channel base 100. It is understood that the heating shell 320 is fixed to the side of the refrigerant flow channel base 100, and can be integrally installed or assembled separately; no limitation is made here. The interior of the heating shell 320 forms a heating cavity 310 and is provided with an inlet and an outlet communicating with the heating cavity 310. The inlet communicates with a water inlet channel, and the outlet communicates with a water heat exchange channel. Optionally, the inlet and outlet are located at both ends along the length of the heating shell 320, which increases the flow path of the heat exchange medium in the heating cavity 310, resulting in longer heating time and higher heating efficiency.
[0049] The heating element 330 is disposed inside the heating shell 320 and can directly heat the heat exchange medium. That is, the heating element 330 is made of a magnetic, electrical, and thermally conductive material, such as stainless steel. In one embodiment, the end of the heating element 330 is insulated from the heating shell 320. An insulating sleeve can be provided at the end of the heating element 330 and then fixed to the heating shell 320.
[0050] An electromagnetic coil 340, surrounding the heating element 330, generates a magnetic field when energized. In conjunction with the heating element 330, it generates heat through electromagnetic induction, directly heating the heat exchange medium flowing through the heating cavity 310. Furthermore, the generated heat is evenly distributed across the heating element 330, improving heating uniformity and preventing localized overheating.
[0051] An insulating sleeve 350 is disposed between the electromagnetic coil 340 and the heating element 330. The insulating sleeve 350 and the electromagnetic coil 340 are spaced apart to form a heating cavity 310. It can not only provide electrical insulation but also prevent current leakage. Together with the heating element 330, they form the heating cavity 310.
[0052] In one embodiment of this utility model, the water heating assembly 300 further includes an electrical connector, which is disposed on the heating shell 320 and electrically connected to the electromagnetic coil 340. Through the electrical connector, it can be connected to the controller via a plug-in wiring harness to realize the power supply or control of the electromagnetic coil 340.
[0053] In one embodiment of this utility model, the heating shell 320 and the refrigerant flow channel base 100 are detachably connected. It is understood that by adopting a detachable connection, the heating shell 320 and the refrigerant flow channel base 100 can be easily disassembled and assembled. During routine maintenance and repair, damaged components can be quickly and conveniently replaced, reducing maintenance difficulty and time, and improving system maintenance efficiency. Optionally, the heating shell 320 is fixed to the refrigerant flow channel base 100 by bolts.
[0054] In one embodiment of this utility model, reference is made to Figure 1 The thermal management system further includes a control component 500, which is disposed on the refrigerant flow channel base 100. The water heating component 300 and the control component 500 are electrically connected. It is understood that the control component 500 is integrated into the refrigerant flow channel base 100, and the electromagnetic coil 340 in the water heating component 300 can be connected to the control component 500 via an electrical connector, allowing the control component 500 to supply power or control the electromagnetic coil 340. Furthermore, the smaller distance between the electromagnetic coil 340 and the control component 500 reduces the length of the connecting wiring harness, making connection more convenient.
[0055] In one embodiment of this utility model, reference is made to Figure 1The thermal management system includes multiple water outlet channels 110 and a multi-way valve 610. The multi-way valve 610 connects the water heat exchange channel and the multiple water outlet channels 110, ensuring that at least one of the water outlet channels 110 is connected to the water heat exchange channel. Each water outlet channel 110 can be connected to a corresponding load, enabling cooling, heating, or heat dissipation functions for different loads within the thermal management system. Furthermore, the multiple water outlet channels 110 can be switched via the multi-way valve 610, which is simple and convenient. Optionally, the multi-way valve 610 is an electronic valve connected to the control component 500, which improves the degree of automatic control of the thermal management system.
[0056] In one embodiment of this utility model, reference is made to Figure 1 The thermal management system further includes a refrigerant valve 620 electrically connected to the control component 500. The refrigerant valve 620 is disposed on the refrigerant flow channel base 100 and connected to the refrigerant inlet channel to open or close the refrigerant inlet channel. The refrigerant valve 620 and the control component 500 are electrically connected. Thus, the opening or closing of the refrigerant inlet channel can be controlled by the refrigerant valve 620. Moreover, both the refrigerant valve 620 and the control component 500 are integrated on the refrigerant flow channel base 100, resulting in a shorter connecting harness and a more compact structure.
[0057] And / or, refer to Figure 1 The thermal management system further includes a sensor 700, which is located on the refrigerant flow channel base 100 and electrically connected to the control component 500. The sensor 700 can collect temperature, flow rate, and flow signals, enabling real-time monitoring of key parameters such as the temperature, pressure, and flow rate of the heat exchange medium. This data is then fed back to the control component 500, allowing the system to automatically adjust the operating state of the electromagnetic coil 340 based on the real-time monitoring data to adapt to different operational requirements and achieve automated control.
[0058] In one embodiment of this invention, multiple water heat exchange channels and multiple refrigerant heat exchange channels are stacked together, and these multiple water heat exchange channels and multiple refrigerant heat exchange channels are alternately arranged. This increases the heat exchange area of the heat exchange medium and the refrigerant, improves the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange medium and the refrigerant, and is beneficial to improving the thermal management effect of the system.
[0059] In one embodiment of this utility model, reference is made to Figure 1 The thermal management system also includes a water pump 800, which is connected to the water inlet channel. It can be understood that the water pump 800 can pump the heat exchange medium in the storage tank 200 to the heating chamber 310 for heating. That is, the water pump 800 can drive the heat exchange medium to flow in the flow channel of the thermal management system.
[0060] And / or, refer to Figure 1 The liquid storage tank 200 is provided with a water inlet, and the water inlet is provided with a water inlet cover 630. Specifically, by providing a water inlet cover 630 on the liquid storage tank 200, the water inlet can be opened to replenish the liquid storage tank 200 with water. Optionally, the water inlet cover 630 is rotatably mounted on the water inlet, and the water inlet can be opened or closed by rotating the water inlet cover 630. Of course, in other embodiments, the water inlet cover 630 may also be detachably mounted on the water inlet by bolts, clips, etc., which is not limited here.
[0061] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 4 The thermal management system also includes loads such as a warm air core, a cold air core, an outdoor low-temperature radiator, a battery heat exchanger, and an electric drive heat exchanger connected to the water outlet channel 110, as well as loads such as a compressor, a gas-liquid separator, an outdoor heat exchanger, an evaporator, and valves connected to the refrigerant outlet channel, which can complete the system's cooling, heating, and heat dissipation functions.
[0062] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an automobile comprising the thermal management system described above. Specifically, the specific structure of the thermal management system refers to the above embodiments. Since this automobile adopts all the technical solutions of the above embodiments, it possesses at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be elaborated upon here. Optionally, the automobile can be a sedan, a truck, a fuel-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle; no limitation is made here.
[0063] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model embodiments. Any equivalent structural transformations made under the technical concept of the present utility model using the description and drawings of the present utility model embodiments, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model embodiments.
Claims
1. A thermal management system, characterized by, The heat management system comprises: a refrigerant flow channel base provided with a refrigerant inlet channel, a refrigerant outlet channel, a water inlet channel and a water outlet channel independently; a liquid storage tank arranged in the refrigerant flow channel base; a water heating assembly arranged in the refrigerant flow channel base, the water heating assembly being provided with a heating cavity; and a heat exchanger arranged in the refrigerant flow channel base, the heat exchanger being provided with a water heat exchange channel and a refrigerant heat exchange channel connected in heat transfer, the refrigerant inlet channel, the refrigerant heat exchange channel and the refrigerant outlet channel being connected in sequence, and the liquid storage tank, the water inlet channel, the heating cavity, the water heat exchange channel and the water outlet channel being connected in sequence.
2. The thermal management system of claim 1, wherein, The water heating assembly comprises: a heating shell connected with the refrigerant flow channel base; a heating body arranged in the heating shell; an electromagnetic coil arranged around the heating body; and an insulating sleeve arranged between the electromagnetic coil and the heating body, the insulating sleeve and the electromagnetic coil being arranged in a spaced manner to form a heating cavity.
3. The thermal management system of claim 2, wherein, The water heating assembly further comprises an electric connector arranged in the heating shell, the electric connector being electrically connected with the electromagnetic coil.
4. The thermal management system of claim 2, wherein, The heating shell and the refrigerant flow channel base are detachably connected.
5. The thermal management system of claim 1, wherein, The heat management system further comprises a control assembly arranged in the refrigerant flow channel base, the water heating assembly being electrically connected with the control assembly.
6. The thermal management system of claim 5, wherein, The water outlet channel is provided with a plurality of water outlet channels, and the heat management system further comprises a multi-way valve connected with the water heat exchange channel and the plurality of water outlet channels, so that at least one of the plurality of water outlet channels is in conduction with the water heat exchange channel.
7. The thermal management system of claim 6, wherein, The heat management system further comprises a refrigerant valve electrically connected with the control assembly, the refrigerant valve being arranged in the refrigerant flow channel base and connected with the refrigerant inlet channel to open or close the refrigerant inlet channel, the refrigerant valve being electrically connected with the control assembly. The heat management system further comprises a sensor arranged in the refrigerant flow channel base and electrically connected with the control assembly.
8. The thermal management system of claim 1, wherein, The water heat exchange channel and the refrigerant heat exchange channel are arranged in a plurality of layers, and the plurality of water heat exchange channels and the plurality of refrigerant heat exchange channels are arranged alternately.
9. The thermal management system of claim 1, wherein, The heat management system further comprises a water pump connected with the water inlet channel. The liquid storage tank is provided with a water supplement opening provided with a water supplement cover.
10. An automobile characterized by comprising: The automobile comprises the heat management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.